Dear Pepita Lovers,
Happy Month of May: The Month of Merriment!
According to Holidappy.com (yes, there is a website devoted to celebration inspiration, though a bit commercial in nature), “The month of May, according to the Gregorian calendar, is named after Maia―the goddess of springtime and growth. Historically, the gentle warmth of the month caused flowers to blossom, crops to sprout, and people to dance. Children made garlands from greenery and participated in joyful celebrations on the first day of May.”
We began the month with Be Kind to Animals Week–what better way to start this month of joy! And then, there was, of course, Mother’s Day. We hope that all the mothers reading this (mothers of humans and of animals alike) had a wonderful celebration of motherhood this month. Then comes Cinco de Mayo, a very special holiday with which Pepita has a special relationship, and which, interestingly, is more popular in the US than in Mexico. There are high school proms in May as well, with the beautiful young adults dressed in their colorful finery and flowers galore. And May Processions followed by May Crowning in the Catholic Church. And many other special celebrations in May.
And a few quotes give us perspective as well on this special month:
“When April steps aside for May, like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten; fresh violets open every day; to some new bird each hour we listen.”
―Lucy Larcom“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.”
―Fennel Hudson
For Pepita, however, the merriment of May means mainly one thing: stroller rides! Our sweet girl is loving the fact that May is the true start of stroller season and that she is getting her fair share of outings in the fresh air and sunshine, thanks to our wonderful volunteers who give the gift of their time to be with the cats who love to stroll! Dedicated volunteers wheel the kitties in secure strollers around the Tabby’s Place property, stopping in Cherny’s Garden to watch the butterflies and smell the fresh air, and walking about the entire property to see the current status of construction of Quinn’s Corner. We wish every day for good weather so this can happen for the cats who enjoy the outings.
Pepita and all of us at Tabby’s Place would love your help in expanding our family—with more volunteers, who not only provide stroller rides to appreciative cats but also do so many other critical tasks for the sanctuary! Last month I mentioned our need for additional volunteers as we prepare for our Quinn’s Corner expansion, which will open later this year. From cleaning to feeding to delivering tender affection, volunteers make a huge impact on our cats’ lives. If you have a heart for cats, we have a role perfectly fit for you at Tabby’s Place.
If you, or anyone in your own “family” of cat lovers, can come aboard, please visit our volunteer page, submit a volunteer application, or contact our Director of Volunteers, Karina Jewitt, at kj@tabbysplace.org. Volunteers must be 12 years or older, and a parent must accompany those under 16 during their volunteer shift. Please share this opportunity with your loved ones!
And if you live a bit too far away to join us in person, know that you are still very much “right here” with us through your generosity…and we are so very grateful!
On the health front, Pepita lost some weight since moving back to Suite A. Though when I saw her this week she looked quite fine and so happy to be spending time in the solarium this morning. We continue to monitor her skin for flare-ups, but so far, so good. She was also noted to have a small healing spot on the right side of her tongue.
Expanding on the last update where I mentioned a few suitemates of Pepita’s, I must now bring up Catalina. Though they share the beauty of luscious black-and-white fur, Catalina and Pepita do not share much love for each other. When I was asking the other day why Pepita had not been out in the solarium much on a few days when I visited, one of the staff said “She tends to go wherever Catalina is not!” The page describing Catalina that we have on our website says “In terms of other cats, Catalina just isn’t a fan. This little spitfire would much rather have a roost to call her own than share the spotlight.”
Ah, that explains it. Catalina has not been very friendly with Pepita, so they are keeping their distance. Catalina gets crated overnight and until the morning cleaning is done, so Pepita has some solid time to enjoy whatever parts of the suite and solarium she likes without Catalina’s presence during that time. Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into a bullying situation.
Pepita sends you whisker kisses and much purring to tell you just how much she loves having you as a sponsor. Please come and visit with her and get those kisses and purrs in person—she would absolutely love to see you and bend your ear with stories of her day-to-day adventures.
Thank you for your devotion to this beautiful and sweet feline!
Your correspondent,
Sheila